Performing Arts Teachers

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance, California State University, Northridge
• Credential work completed through University of California, Santa Barbara

CREDENTIALS

• Single-Subject in Music (K-12), State of California, completed August 2004
• Professional Clear Credential, State of California, completed June 2006
• Initial Teaching License (Music k-12), State of Oregon, completed August 2007

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
16 years of teaching in public schools – Los Angeles USD, Carpinteria USD, Portland Public Schools, Ventura USD, and the Rio School District.

I try to teach and instruct the “whole” student. My students strive to learn up to the national Music standards for grades 6-8 and they also learn important life skills along the way. In my classes I stress skills and qualities such as team work, responsibility, respect, honor, and civility. I try and prepare my students, to the best of my ability, for the university and college experience. I hope that after my students graduate from my program they will go out into the “real world” and put into practice what they learned in my classes… how to be musically expressive and how to be a productive and responsible member of society.

• Concert Choir, Piano/Guitar, Exploring Music & Glee Club
• B.A. & M.A. Vocal Performance/Opera & Music, SF Conservatory of Music

I am a professional singer, church choir director, and private music teacher. I want my students to embrace their love for music & performance!

• Professional actress, acting teacher and coach
• Modeling, voice-over, commercials, theater, leading roles in film & TV
• Movies include BETTER OFF DEAD, BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE.
• Taught acting & improvisation to students K-12 for over 15 years.

I am beyond delighted that I am entering my seventh year here at Rio Vista as Artist in Residence. It is great joy to witness tomorrow’s generation apply the principles of personal excellence through the study of the guitar. Music just makes the world a better place.

In addition to teaching, I have had the pleasure of performing all over the world with my original rock band Prima Donna Rising. We are looking forward to releasing our new album and touring  again in the summer of 2023.

When I don’t have a guitar in my hands, I enjoy cooking for my wonderful family and hanging out with my hilarious and talented friends. I am a fortunate soul!